Week 5. Mind Map reflection.

 



REFLECTION:


Currently, in EDUC 6115, we are learning about connectivism. This theory states that one of the ways we know is by our personally constructed networks. I wanted to see what my personal network looked like, so I created a mindmap on Coogle. I tried my best to list out all of the "inputs" that allowed learning to occur. Looking at my mindmap, I noticed that learning new information depends on the category in which I need to obtain the material. It may be because I am an adult now and resources like time, engagement, and focus are limited, but now my learning is very compartmentalized. My network has changed how I learn by creating these different spaces to put various knowledge topics. One area is for my current profession as a teacher, which may require knowledge around classroom management, lesson planning, etc...

In contrast, another space is my learning around the latest TIK TOK trend or perhaps a new recipe from Pinterest. If I need to obtain new knowledge, I use search engines or public forums as my digital tools. For example, if I need general knowledge, I would turn to google, but if I need a new workout regimen, I would use various fitness blogs to have a more targeted idea. I think people undervalue the power of blogs and forums online, or perhaps they feel that it's a part of an older version of the internet. Still, blogs and forums can be powerful digital tools (remember the Gamestop incident caused by Reddit?) I also use youtube and podcasts to learn new things, from comic book history to instructional designers! Looking at the mindmap, I am aware that learning comes from multiple inputs. As mentioned by Davis, Edmunds, and Bateman, " learning does not happen in a vacuum. It is at the intersection of prior knowledge, experience, perception, reality, comprehension, and flexibility that learning occurs." I can see that as I observe my mindmap. Some places include prior knowledge and experiences and areas in which new learning is occurring. The spaces where further education is happening align with the theory of Connectivism. The following principles define Connectivism: 

  • Learning and knowledge rest in the diversity of opinions. 
  • Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources. 
  • Learning may reside in non-human appliances. 
  • The capacity to know more is more critical than what is currently known. Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning. 
  • The ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill. 
  • Currency (up-to-date knowledge) is the intent of all learning activities. 
  • Decision-making itself is a learning process.

After looking at the principles of connectivism and my mindmap, I realize that I do learn from and with others. 


Resources

Connectivism- Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching, and Technology. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://textbookequity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf

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